The Borgias were an Italian family although Spanish in origin.

Alfonso Borgia became Pope Callistus III in 1455. His nephew, Rodrigo, became Pope Alexander VI in 1492. Rodrigo chose to be called Alexander and became a cardinal at age 25. Perhaps his most influential act was to create church decree dividing the 'new' world between Spain and Portugal.

Rodrigo Borgia born in Spain, 1431 traveled to Spain where he raised his son Cesare, born in Italy in 1476.

Cesare was lacking in virtue being extremely cruel, visious and manipulative. He murdered his own brother Juan and abused the power of his father to corrupt ends. By 1502 Cesare had stolen art treasures valued at more than 150 000 ducats as was soon established as the captain-general of the church.



Persons of note who had dealings with Cesare are Machiavelli who modeled his Ideal Statesman after Cesare Borgia and Leonardo da Vinci invented war machines for Cesare.

His most ambitious political affair ended in failure as he attempted to establish a hereditary monarchy in Italy. Cesare's temperament was not suited to the political maneuverings necessary to bring about his goal and was short on allies. His fathers death in 1503 further weakened his influence and it was only four years later when Cesare ended his days on the battle field.

Cesare's sister Lucrezia did not escape her brothers attensions. Her first marriage, at the age of 13, was annulled. She then married Alfonso of Aragon. This marriage was effectively annulled by Cesare when he murdered Alfonso. Lucrezia was married one last time, this time the union was with the Duke of Ferra.

Some enemies of the family were the Medicis, Sforzas, Savonarolas and rulers outside the Italian Peninsula.

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